A Special Prayer...

So, two weeks ago Emma told me, "Mommy, I am ready to pray and ask God for a baby sister."
So she sat in my lap and said,

"Dear God, I would really like a baby sister, and I would like for her name to be Joy. I just wanted to ask you if I could have that. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."

About a week ago, Ben and I discovered that we are expecting another heavenly gift, which I affectionately call Baby Blessing for the time being. God is so gracious, so amazing. We have reminded Emma that only God knows what is best for our family...and He may think that a boy is what is best for us this time. But it is most certainly okay to pray for a sister.

Interestingly enough, my Bible Study this week was about two women who were not supposed to be having babies at their current stage in life: Elizabeth and Mary (Elizabeth because she was "well advanced in years", and Mary because she was a virgin, betrothed). This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture, and as I read it again this week, my heart burned within me, amazed at God's precious words:

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation...He has filled the hungry with good things... Luke 1:46-50,53a

May I be faithful to meet all things God so graciously gives the way Mary did:
"Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."